Page 4 - Sanjay Kumar Singh/workspace/business Standard Web/video

Should you continue holding SIPs in mid, smallcap funds or stop them?

Those significantly overweight on these categories must book profits to rein in exposure. A lot depends on your horizon and risk appetite

Debt MF outlook: Divide portfolio between long- and low-duration funds

The Indian economy requires rate cuts and a supportive monetary policy to sustain growth, which is slowing

After RBI rate cut, should you reduce EMIs or shorten loan tenure?

The exact gain for each home loan borrower will depend on their current principal outstanding and interest rate

Health insurance for senior citizens is expensive: Here's what they must do

Those who find premiums unaffordable should go for a plan with deductibles

Updated income-tax return: Ensure accuracy as revisions are not permitted

Only those with additional tax to pay can file an updated return

Budget 2025: Relief on 2 self-occupied properties, without riders

Annual limit of Rs 2.4 lakh for TDS on rent increased to Rs 6 lakh

Banking sector funds: Invest now to capitalise on credit growth pickup

The ideal time to invest in sector funds is during a downturn so that investors can capitalise on a turnaround in 1.5-2 years

Assessing fund performance: Run the numbers, then do qualitative checks

Rely on multiple metrics to derive a holistic picture of performance. Also, compare a fund's performance with its category peers or the appropriate benchmark

Tackling rising home prices: Research pricing, demand-supply for best deals

Buyers with a limited budget should explore upcoming locations

Wrongful tax claims: File revised, updated ITR before I-T dept's scrutiny

Once a wrongful claim is detected, penalties follow

Dealing with recovery agents: Know your rights, study RBI guidelines

Escalate complaint to bank grievance officer, ombudsman, and finally consumer court

PSU funds: Recovery may take a while; stay put if you've long horizon

Stocks in areas such as defence, capital goods, railways, and PSU banks had rallied significantly

Health cover against cancer: Check policy for exclusions, sub-limits

Cancer-specific policies, which only cover cancer, are available as indemnity-based or fixed-benefit plans

Sector-thematic NFOs: Beware lack of track record, concentration risk

With growing awareness, demand for passive funds has also risen, prompting fund houses to launch more products

Managing multiple loans: Lower interest cost via debt consolidation

Borrowers with multiple loans-such as credit card, personal, and home loan-can pool them into one large loan with a lower interest rate

Select index factor fund based on high conviction and risk appetite

A market cap-based index selects and assigns weights to stocks based on market cap, favouring larger companies

Choosing a financial advisor: Look for experience of multiple market cycles

Financial advisors also assist in selecting cost-effective and tax-efficient products

Say no to NFOs, buy direct plans and seek suggestions from Sebi RIAs

Sebi's new rule is a positive step towards investor protection. It will reduce mis-selling by aligning distributor incentives with investor interests and discourage unnecessary portfolio churn

Insurance portfolio review: Up term cover with rising income, liabilities

A good rule of thumb is to purchase term cover amounting to 7-10 annual income, plus outstanding liabilities

Steep rise in premium, poor claim experience? Consider porting your policy

Check for loopholes in coverage, like sub-limits, and evaluate whether you need to augment coverage through a super top up policy